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The Security Council of Benue State has issued an ultimatum to armed herders and invaders, directing them to vacate Benue State immediately or face arrest and prosecution.
This decision was communicated in a communique released after a Security Council meeting held at the EXCO Secretariat, Government House Makurdi, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The meeting aimed to address the challenge of armed herders infiltrating communities in the state.
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The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, briefed the media after the meeting, stating that resolutions were reached to ensure lasting peace in the state.
The meeting emphasized the continued enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (Anti Open Grazing Law). It called for the immediate departure of armed herders and invaders from Benue State and urged those facilitating their presence to cease such actions.
The Security Council also granted a two-week ultimatum, effective from February 21, 2024, for individuals engaged in open grazing within the state to desist from the practice.
A seven-man committee was established to enforce the ultimatum, with a plea for security agencies, traditional rulers, and the public to collaborate in identifying and prosecuting anyone involved in collaborating or inviting armed herders into the state.
The Council urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, assuring that the State Government is actively working to ensure the security of lives and property.
Additionally, the Council acknowledged the challenges of hardship and potential food insecurity in the nation, urging the people of Benue State to stay calm as measures are being implemented to alleviate the situation.
